Plantation Artist Graduates

Matthew Allen Jay has graduated from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota. He received a bachelor's degree in fine arts. His major was illustration.

Jay graduated from West Pine Middle School in Sunrise and Plantation High School in Plantation in 1998.

He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 340 in Plantation.

He will pursue a career in illustration, and plans to open his own fine arts and illustration company.

Jay is the son of Melvin and Kathleen Jay of Plantation.

Coral Springs cadet leads

Cadet Maria P. Chavez, daughter of Ruben and Pamela Chavez of Coral Springs, is serving as a regimental command sergeant major, achieving one of the highest positions in the cadet chain of command at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Chavez is concentrating her studies in psychology and plans to graduate in 2003 and be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Springs siblings excel

Rachel Louise Taff and Thomas Michael Taff, a brother and sister from Coral Springs, were on the fall 2002 semester Chancellor's Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi.

Full-time students carrying at least 12 semester hours must achieve a grade point average of 3.75 to 4.0 to be recognized.

Upon graduation, he also received four credits toward an associate's degree. After 10 days of shore leave visiting New York City and friends and family in Plantation, Brindley reported for duty at the Coast Guard boat station in Cape May.

Brindley is the son of David and Debra Brindley and the younger brother of Dana Brindley of Plantation. He is a 2001 graduate of South Plantation High School.

Airman promoted

Robert E. Dehnert Jr. has been promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

Dehnert is the Air Force program executive officer for command, control and combat support systems at Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon, Washington D.C. He has 24 years of military service.

His sister, Ruth Ann Rice, lives in Plantation.

Sunrise coed on Dean's List

Katherine Elizabeth Page has been named to the Dean's List for the fall semester at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

To meet the criteria for Dean's List honors, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 grade-point average out of a possible 4.0 while taking 12 credit hours of coursework.

The Dean's List is the highest recognition given by the school at the end of each semester.

The Page family lives in Sunrise.

Tamarac Marine advances

Pvt. Julia Criqui has completed basic training with the U.S. Marine Corps at Parris Island, S.C.

After basic training, Criqui reported to Camp LeJuene, N.C., to complete her military combat training.

Criqui is the daughter of Donna Criqui of Tamarac. She is a graduate of J.P. Taravella High School.

Theater major makes grade

Jessica Ball, a member of the Class of 2005 majoring in theater at Muhlenberg College, has been named to the Dean's List for academic excellence.

She is the daughter of Marilyn R. Ball of Coral Springs and is a graduate of Pine Crest Preparatory School.

Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, Pa.

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Club and civic organization news, scholarship awards and college and military news may be submitted along with color photos to Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attn: Chris Allen, Sunrise Office. You may also reach Chris at callen@Sun-Sentinel.com or by calling 954-572-2016.